Lighting for a Fish only tank

[rkehockey16]

I am currently building my new tank. I am doing the Mainland 250 deep dimensions tank. 60x37x24.

What lighting should i use, I really like the energy costs of the LED. So i would prefer to go that route.

Could I get away with only using 2 Ecotch Radion XR15W?

Thanks

 

[vhuang168]

Fish only? You can light it with shoplights if you want. Fish don't really care about the what kind of lights you use.


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[Kayadad]

I use a cheap LED fixture off ebay for my 120 FOWLR. I paid attention to the specs and got a fixture that works and looks good for under $30. It has only been going for 6 months, but no issues in that time.

 

[gus6464]

Get a light that brings out the colors in the fish. Don't waste money on Radions. Something like current orbit marine regular would work.

 

[scar79]

LED's don't have that "bright" factor that fluorescent and incandescent do. Any time I've set up a fish only with only LED, it always looks dim. Plus I don't think the fish look as good because of the shadowing.

You're not looking for big PAR, so maybe something like a 4 bulb T5 fixture with two T5 bulbs and two LED retro tubes. Just an idea. Or an LED strip and a 2x54w T5 fixture. Either way, I think fluorescent has its place in a FO tank.

 

[FirstContact]

Fish only? You can light it with shoplights if you want. Fish don't really care about the what kind of lights you use.


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+1

gus6464 Get a light that brings out the colors in the fish. Don't waste money on Radions. Something like current orbit marine regular would work.

+1

 

[Flaring Afro]

LED's don't have that "bright" factor that fluorescent and incandescent do. Any time I've set up a fish only with only LED, it always looks dim. Plus I don't think the fish look as good because of the shadowing.

LEDs can easily be brighter than any other type of lighting. You just need the right amount. My car's headlights and fogs are LEDs and are brighter than HIDs.

 

[Ron Reefman]

You are concerned for the energy useage and then blow money buying a Radion? Just get a $90 MarsAqua and spend the savings on cool fish!

 

[tkeracer619]

Go as little as you can to get good looks from your fish. Adding more adds to algae and maintenence.

There is no point in putting reef level lighting on a fo.

I'd run a few (maybe 3 or 4) 4' t5s.

 

[Kayadad]

rkehockey16 -

I believe this is the light I purchased. http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Light-48-60-96XLEDs-0-5W-White-Blue-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Plant-Marine-FOWLR-/252238421459?hash=item3aba94ddd3

On my tank :

 

[Ron Reefman]

rkehockey16 -

I believe this is the light I purchased. http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Light-48-60-96XLEDs-0-5W-White-Blue-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Plant-Marine-FOWLR-/252238421459?hash=item3aba94ddd3

On my tank :

That will work great for a fish only tank. Just don't plan to grow much if any coral under it.

 

[Kayadad]

That will work great for a fish only tank. Just don't plan to grow much if any coral under it.

Yupp. I sold my t5 retro setup for this. It is the beginning of a fowlr. T5's are far too costly to run and change out when the burn out for fowlr.

 

[Bluefish9]

Im in the middle of a 150g FOWLR build. Im going with the two of the $90 ebay/amazon lights. It just makes the most sense... What if you want to convert one day and start adding coral? Even basic corals such as mushrooms and zoas etc... Im also a fan of a little shimmer...


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[Flaring Afro]

Im in the middle of a 150g FOWLR build. Im going with the two of the $90 ebay/amazon lights. It just makes the most sense... What if you want to convert one day and start adding coral? Even basic corals such as mushrooms and zoas etc... Im also a fan of a little shimmer...

It's usually better to decide ahead, but this is only because you otherwise will be adding fish/inverts to the tank that might not be reef friendly without thinking about it.

 

[scooter31707]

I have seen a FOWLR only be lighted by the sunlight that is provided in the room. It's not direct sunlight. He opens the blinds first thing in the morning and the tank has been thriving for 2 years now.

 

[Bluefish9]

To be honest, I personally think nothing "looks" as good as MH's. But most people (including myself) can't justify the added cost and heat just for aesthetics.


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[Bent]

Agree with everyone else. Buy the cheapest lights you can that will bring out the color in the animals. I wouldn't worry about coral lights...since there are no corals and stuff.